Hundreds of Waitaki District residents have been issued an urgent conserve water notice following a fire at a treatment plant overnight.
Water should be used for essential purposes only in lower Waitaki while the treatment plant supply has been turned off, the council says. (File image) Photo: 123rf
The fire at the Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant in Richmond caused significant and extensive damage to the treatment shed and equipment.
Waitaki District Council said the supply was off and lower Waitaki water supply customers were asked to only use water for essential purposes until further notice.
The supply provides water to more than 700 customers in the Pukeuri, Papakaio, and Hilderthorpe areas north of Oamaru.
"Customers are required to have three days of storage on their properties and as such should have sufficient water, particularly if strict water conservation methods are used, for the coming days until a temporary supply is in place," the council said.
Updates will be posted on the council's Facebook page and website.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.